Best Nail Clipper For Rabbits? The 57 New Answer

Part of a rabbit’s tool box

Rabbits have five toes on their front paws and four on their back paws. Their nails are very hard: they must be, they are made for digging caves. Wild rabbits’ claws stay short from all the digging and hopping over rocks and hard surfaces, but for our house rabbits there’s often nothing to wear out the claws. This means nails may need to be trimmed periodically.

The long and the short of it

When a rabbit’s nails grow long, it changes the angle at which it places its feet. This may not sound like a big problem, but it is very important as it can put additional wear on the joints as they move in unnatural ways.

Long nails can easily get snagged and torn off, sometimes right out of the nail bed. This is of course extremely painful and surprisingly heavy bleeding can occur. Dislocation or fracture of the toes can also occur.

When our rabbits’ hind paws aren’t at the right angle, weight is shifted to their heels, which can lead to sore hocks, also known as pododermatitis. This is a serious condition and very difficult to treat. Prevention is definitely better than cure.

Cut nails

As part of your regular check-ups on your rabbits, you need to keep an eye on their claws. A good guide is that they are level with the coat. The only exception to this are Rex rabbits, where the fur is so much shorter! If the nails need trimming and you are unsure about doing it yourself, ask your veterinarian or veterinarian to do it. They should be happy to show you how to do it safely so you can do it in the future. There is a vein and nerve running up each nail that must be avoided. It is known to be “quick” and if cut, it will be painful for the rabbit and a lot of blood will flow. However, with some clear instructions, it’s fairly easy to trim a rabbit’s claws, especially light-colored, translucent claws that show the spines, so it’s worth learning how to do it. A Note About “Mesmerizing” or “Trancering” Rabbits Some people hold their rabbit on its back when clipping its claws, so that it remains completely still, as if in a trance. This is extremely cruel indeed as the rabbit is actually terrified and will play dead as part of its prey response when caught by a predator. Never do this to your rabbits. You can either hold your bunny with his back supported as if he is sitting to clip his nails, or lay him on a towel on a countertop and very gently move his foot to the side to get at his nails. Healthy foot with properly trimmed nails

Avoid fast cutting

If you have a rabbit with light-colored claws it’s fairly easy to see the liveliness, but if the claws are dark it’s much more difficult. There are ways around it. You can shine a torch behind the nail. The light shining through shows you where the Quick ends and is therefore safe to cut. Another method is the squeeze-squeeze-cut method. Gently press the nail where you think it will be safe with your nail scissors. If your rabbit reacts, then you are too close. If there is no response, press a little harder. Still no reaction, squeeze it pretty hard one last time just to be sure and if everything is fine it’s safe to cut. Repeat with each nail.

If the claws are very long and the nail is quite high, you can encourage it to retreat by what is known as nibbling. Trim nails twice a week or even every other day by simply biting off a tiny bit. As the claws get shorter, so will the Quick, until your rabbit has claws that are a comfortable length.

This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. dr Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery. She has worked at the same vet clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. This article has been viewed 74,312 times.

Article overview

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To trim rabbit toenails, gently and loosely wrap your rabbit in an old towel and leave their head uncovered so they can’t move while you trim their toenails. Next, place your rabbit on your lap, making sure his feet are somewhere on your lap as well so he feels secure and doesn’t get nervous. Then clip the sharp tip of his nails with a pair of nail clippers, being careful to avoid the vein in each known as a sore. If you accidentally circumcise the quick, immediately apply blood-stopping powder and then press with a cotton ball to stop the bleeding. For more help from our veterinary co-author, including how to find out if it’s best to clip your rabbit’s toenails at the vet, read on!

As long as rabbits live, their claws grow. This means that they require constant maintenance. If you allow your pet rabbit’s nails to just keep growing and growing, they could become extremely harmful, not only to the little guy, but to yourself and the rest of your family as well. For this reason, it is imperative to clip rabbits’ nails every six to eight weeks. If your rabbit’s claws are growing particularly quickly, you may need to do it more often. If they’re particularly slow-growing, you may not need to do this as often. It always varies depending on your individual pet. Many rabbits initially resent people touching their feet. However, the more practice you have in touching your rabbit’s feet, the more relaxed he should be about it. Ask your veterinarian to show you the best way to trim your pet’s nails.

Have you ever held your rabbit only to find long claw marks on your arms afterwards? Rabbit nails can be surprisingly sharp. They can injure you or accidentally cut skin even if the rabbit doesn’t intend to.

In the wild, a rabbit’s nails will naturally wear down over the course of their day-to-day life. Digging burrows and walking on rough, dirty, and rocky ground provides the necessary wear and tear to keep the claws from getting too long. But as pets, rabbits don’t have the same rough activities to keep their claws from overgrowing. As caretakers, we have to do our part and pay attention to the condition of their claws and trim them if necessary.

Before trimming rabbit nails, find the vein that runs down each nail and avoid cutting it. If you can’t find this vein, gently press on the clippers before making a cut. If the rabbit pulls its foot away, try trimming closer to the tip of the nail. This is easier with two people, but can also be done alone.

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How to trim a rabbit’s claws

Trimming a rabbit’s claws can be very challenging. It’s one of the most difficult parts of grooming a rabbit. They will often kick and fight while you patiently try to keep them calm and get their nails trimmed. If you ever feel like you can’t trim your rabbit’s nails yourself, or you’re worried about trimming your rabbit’s nails, there is also the option of taking your rabbit to the vet to trim your rabbit’s nails for you .

To trim your rabbit nails you will need nail clippers. I like using smaller clippers because they give me more control, but many caretakers feel more comfortable using the spring-loaded dog nail clippers instead.

tools you need

When working with a partner, the only tool you should need to trim your rabbit’s nails is an animal nail clipper. You can use the spring-loaded clippers for a quick trim, or use smaller handheld clippers for more control. You should NOT use scissors or nail clippers. These make it difficult to get a clean cut, and you’re likely to end up damaging the nail.

If you’re trying to trim your rabbit’s claws yourself, it’s also useful to have a towel handy and have access to a high surface unfamiliar to the rabbit. The high surface, like a table or countertop, discourages your rabbit from running away from you easily. The towel should be placed under them and give support to their feet. Or if you’re dealing with a particularly fidgety bunny, you can use the towel to burrite the bunny while clipping his paws.

Cutting nails with a partner

Trimming your rabbit’s nails with a partner is by far the easier option. If you have someone who can help you, I recommend asking them for help. One of you should be tasked with keeping the rabbit still and calm while the other uses the scissors to trim the rabbit’s claws.

The person holding the rabbit should position it with its paws facing out so the other person can access all of the nails. Alternatively, you can place them in your arms in a half cradle. Your task is to keep the rabbit calm and as calm as possible. If all of the rabbit’s claws are facing outward, you should be able to easily clip them off one at a time. Sometimes you need to pause while the rabbit is calmed or repositioned to make it easier for you to get the claws.

Cut your own nails

I won’t sugarcoat this, trimming a rabbit’s nails yourself isn’t easy. Holding a rabbit steady while you handle their feet and find their claws is a challenge. This whole process can take a lot longer than it seems.

If you have a calm rabbit, you’ll likely get through this process without too much trouble, but many rabbits are feisty and you’ll need to keep going back to step one to calm your rabbit down again. Nevertheless, I can say that with patience one can achieve success. The first time I trimmed a rabbit’s claws by myself, the whole process took more than half an hour. But we did it, and I know you can do it too!

Lay your rabbit on a table. Make sure you have a towel on the table to make your rabbit feel more comfortable. Pet your rabbit and give it a massage to help it relax and calm down. Wrap an arm around your rabbit and gently pull one of its front paws out from under it. You want to hold your rabbit against your body at the edge of the table to make them feel safe. Make sure you’re always between your rabbit and the side of the table. You don’t want them fighting and falling off. Put your hand on your bunny’s head to keep him steady during the next step. Cut the nails on the first front foot. Try to get all five nails. The “thumbnail” on the inside of the foot is always the hardest to find. This step will likely take a long time as your rabbit will keep pulling his leg back. If your rabbit isn’t cooperating at all, you can try placing them in a half burrito in a towel with their front legs sticking out in front of them. Repeat steps 2 and 3 with the other front paw. Hold your rabbit up on its hind legs and clip the hind paws. Hold your rabbit under his chest and hold him against your body to make him feel secure. Slowly clip the claws on your rabbit’s back paws. I find that the hind legs are easier to clamp than the front legs, but if your rabbit keeps slipping out of your grip, rearrange the way you are holding the rabbit and try again.

1. Lay your rabbit on a table; 2. gently pull out one of their front paws; 3. Cut the nails on this foot; 4. Hold your rabbit up on its hind legs and clip the hind paws.

After you’ve finished clipping their claws, give your rabbit a tasty treat as a reward and let them run around at will. Many rabbits will get very mad at you for a short time afterwards. Leave them alone until they are ready to forgive you. Over time, as you handle your rabbit more and get used to clipping their claws, this process will become easier and your rabbit will get used to it.

How often should you clip your rabbit’s nails?

Most rabbit nails need trimming every 1 to 2 months. Rabbits that are given areas with rough floors or places to burrow may wear out their nails a bit from everyday life. Therefore, they may not need to trim their nails as often. It’s best to check the length of your rabbit’s nails about every month to make sure they aren’t getting too long.

Can you put a rabbit in a trance while clipping its claws?

Trance a rabbit is when they are placed on their back, forcing them into a trance-like state. This was a technique traditionally commonly used to trim a rabbit’s claws, as rabbits do not fight in this position. However, recent studies have shown that this is a very stressful position for a rabbit. It is therefore not recommended to put your rabbit in a trance in order to cut his claws.

What if the nail starts bleeding?

Occasionally you clip into the quick and the nail bleeds. When this happens, a surprising amount of blood may come out, which can be worrying. None of us want to hurt our rabbits, so watching them bleed so profusely can be downright scary.

While clipping into the quick is a little painful for the rabbit (similar to when we humans break a nail), it is not a serious situation for the rabbit. They will be fine. Your rabbit will recover in no time and will be wondering why you are making such a fuss.

If you accidentally pinch in the quick and the rabbit’s nail starts bleeding, you can use a cotton ball with some cornstarch or styptic powder to stop the bleeding. Press the cotton ball against the nail for a few minutes. After the blood stops flowing, let your rabbit run free. They lick their nail to clean the “wound” and then continue hopping as usual.

The nail has come off completely, what to do?

This is unlikely, but it is possible. If your rabbit happens to move or fight back just as you are cutting a nail, it may rip off completely. It’s unfortunate but should be treated like any other nail injury. Use a cotton ball mixed with cornstarch or flour to stop the flow of blood and allow your rabbit to clean his wound.

You should occasionally check your rabbit’s paw for the next few days to make sure he doesn’t get an infection. If you notice any redness or swelling around the nail root, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian. If there is no infection, your rabbit is fine. The nail may or may not grow back. Either way, your rabbit will be able to get around with ease.

Other ways to keep your rabbit’s claws short

You can help your rabbit trim his claws so you don’t have to trim them as often. This involves giving your rabbit a variety of surfaces to run on, not just a soft carpet. For example, it can be helpful to give your rabbit some space to move around on hardwood floors.

You can also give your rabbit burrow areas to help wear down their own nails. I have used corrugated cardboard boxes, scratch mats and cat scratchers to make my rabbit enjoy digging in them. This also gives your rabbit a chance to use their natural digging instincts without damaging your home or furniture.

Providing a rabbit with these other materials will not completely replace the need to clip their claws, but it should make trimming sessions less frequent.

Rabbit feet have five nails on each of the front paws and four nails on each of the hind paws.

Rabbit Nail Anatomy

Like their teeth, rabbit nails are constantly growing. They have 18 toenails, 4 on each of their hind feet and 5 on each of their front feet. The fifth nail on each rabbit’s front paw is on the inside of the foot. It looks a bit like a thumbnail (but rabbits don’t have opposable thumbs). This is usually the most difficult nail to trim as it tends to hide in the rabbit’s fur.

Rabbit toenails are claws, but they are not the same as cat claws, which are extensions of a cat’s toes. Aside from the fast rabbits, they don’t have nerves or pain receptors in their nails. The purpose of their nails is primarily to make it easier for the rabbit to dig holes, but their nails also serve to protect the rabbit’s feet and give them grip on slippery surfaces. Their claws can also be used to defend themselves against predators if the rabbit is cornered.

The fast one

Rabbit nails have a vein, called a quick, that runs into the base of each of their nails. If you trim your rabbit’s claws, you should avoid cutting into this vein. Cutting into the quick will cause your rabbit a little pain and a surprising amount of blood may flow.

Clip your rabbit’s claws on the section outside of the claw vein (the quick).

You can see this vein in the rabbit’s nails if they are a lighter color, but it can be difficult to see it on darker colored nails. For these darker nailed bunnies, many caretakers recommend using a flashlight. Stick it behind the nail to help you find the quick. However, I have found that holding the rabbit’s nails in front of a flashlight while you trim them is almost impossible.

Instead, to find the nail in a darker toenail, I apply clipper pressure before cutting all the way through. If the rabbit twitches a little, it means I’m too close to the vein and need to cut out a little further.

How long should rabbit nails be?

There is no perfect length for a rabbit’s claws to be kept at. The indicator by which I know when it’s time to clip my rabbit’s nails is when the nails start protruding beyond the fur of their paws. For most rabbit breeds, this is the best way to know when their nails are getting a little long.

However, this may not work for both short-haired and long-haired rabbit breeds. Short-haired Rex rabbits tend to have nails that curl earlier than other rabbit breeds. For these rabbits, consider clipping their claws as soon as you see the little curl starting to form. Long-haired Angora rabbits will have claws that are too long if you wait for them to reach fur length. Monitor and trim them a little earlier in these breeds.

If the nails have started to curl a lot, then it’s been too long. You should cut them as soon as possible. If your rabbit’s nails are so long that they can’t hop around comfortably, they also need to be trimmed right away.

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rabbit care

What happens if a rabbit’s nails keep growing?

Overgrown rabbit nails can do more than just scratches. They can snag on a carpet or other floor covering and cause the nail to break or the toe to be dislocated. Their nails can also curl up, forcing the rabbit to walk in an unnatural way. It is important to your rabbit’s health to monitor their claws and clip them every few months.

The quick grows along the nail

If you allow your rabbit’s claws to continue to grow, the vein in them (the wound) along the claw will also grow. This makes it difficult to trim the nails again. If you cut off too much of the end of the nail, it means you’re cutting into the marrow. To trim the rabbit’s claws to an ideal length, you’ll need to clip a little off the end of the nail about every week. This gives the vein time to readjust to the size of the nail.

Stress on rabbit feet

Rabbit nails that grow too long or curl inward can put a lot of stress on the rabbit’s paws. They are forced to shift their weight and walk in unnatural ways. This means your rabbit will likely walk more cautiously. You won’t be able to zoom around and binky as much.

The unnatural gait caused by overgrown nails also puts extra stress on the joints in a rabbit’s legs. It can also put pressure on the more sensitive parts of their feet. This can contribute to conditions like arthritis and sore hocks (when a rabbit gets sores on the underside of its heels), making it painful for the rabbit to move.

Likely to get stuck and break

Ingrown nails are also very likely to get caught on something like the carpet and break off. A surprising amount of blood can flow when a rabbit’s nail breaks off, which can be very shocking at the moment (but this is not life threatening for rabbits as it can be for cats).

Getting one of their nails caught on something can also cause a rabbit’s toe to become dislocated. This is something that is very difficult to detect but can cause pain to the rabbit. To avoid this, it is best to clip and trim your rabbits’ nails.

Can you declaw a rabbit?

Rabbits should not be declawed. Their claws help them maintain traction with the ground, so declawing can cause mobility issues in rabbits. It would also be a very painful process for the rabbit. They would have to keep walking on their wounds after the surgery, which would make the healing process long and painful. Also, the rabbit would be unable to perform basic behaviors like scratching behind the ears.

Tips and Tricks Newsletter If you’re new to keeping rabbits, check out Bunny Lady’s bi-monthly newsletter. Once you sign up, you will receive a FREE Rabbit Care Guide in PDF format. I’ve put together a guide that covers all the basics of rabbit care so you have everything in one place. Then get rabbit care tips and tricks delivered straight to your inbox, so you know you’ll be taking excellent care of your new rabbit. SIGN IN

Sources:

McBride, A.; Day, S., McAdie, T., Meredith, A., Barley. J., Hickman, J., and Lawes, L. “Rabbits in Trance: Relaxed Hypnosis or Anxiety?” Proceedings of the VDWE International Congress on Companion Animal Behavior and Welfare, http://wabbitwiki.com/images/b/bb/Tonic_immobility_paper_ghent .pdf. “Rabbit Nails.” Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund. https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-care-advice/rabbit-nails. “Trance.” Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund. https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-health/trance. “Why rabbits shouldn’t be declawed.” House Rabbit Society, July 10, 2011, https://rabbit.org/why-rabbits-should-not-be-declawed.

related questions

Do rabbit teeth need trimming?

Like their claws, rabbit teeth grow continuously, but most rabbits on a healthy diet with plenty of grass-based hay and a variety of chew toys won’t need to trim their teeth. However, if the jaw or teeth get out of alignment, the rabbit’s teeth can become overgrown and will need trimming by a veterinarian.

How do you stop a rabbit from digging in the carpet?

To prevent your rabbit from digging in the carpet, you need to rabbit proof your home. Cover the corners of carpeted rooms with plastic mats or cardboard, or block your rabbit’s access to these areas entirely. You can also give them a dig box to keep your bunny busy and less likely to go after your rug.

Is a Rabbit Right for You?

If your rabbit’s paws are very dirty or muddy, you can simply clean them with a damp cloth and some kitchen towel. Rabbits, like many other animals, should not be bathed like humans or dogs. Instead, spot cleaning is the method of choice for most owners – it’s much safer and less stressful for the rabbit.

Sometimes your rabbits get muddy feet

Get some towels soaked in warm water and wrung out. Hold the bunny still on your lap, with a towel on your lap for the bunny to sit on, so your clothes don’t get wet! Gently wipe off any dirt, then gently pat your rabbit’s feet dry with the kitchen towel.

Nail trimming is a necessary part of caring for your pet rabbit. Rabbit nails keep growing (just like their teeth). So if they don’t naturally wear them down outside, they need to be trimmed with nail scissors. If you have never trimmed your rabbit’s nails and have no one to help you, you may want to consult a groomer or veterinarian. If you have a young rabbit, make sure you take the opportunity to trim their claws while they are young and on a regular basis to allow them to get used to it.

How to cut rabbit nails

First, gather the supplies you will need, as well as a friend to hold your rabbit for you. You don’t want to have to start and stop once you’ve got your rabbit ready for nail trimming, so get everything together in one place. Gather a good pair of cat or rabbit nail clippers (such as a Kaytee Pro nail clipper), a towel, opened styptic powder (to be ready in case you clip a nail too short), and treats for your rabbit. Have your handler wrap your rabbit in a towel so they are restrained calmly and securely. A rabbit can kick and injure (or break) its back, so make sure you handle it properly and support its rear end well. If they start fighting, stop the process. Put your rabbit down and try again once your rabbit has calmed down. You can use treats to reward your rabbit and entice them to wrap themselves in the towel. Once your rabbit is wrapped in the towel and calmed down, trim just the tip of the claws. It’s much better to trim a small amount frequently than to try to trim a lot when the nails get too long. If your rabbit has clear or white nails and you can see the pink blood supply (known as Quick) you should be able to cut just short of it (towards the tip of the nail) without your rabbit bleeding. Never cut the carcass as it will bleed and be painful for your rabbit. Place the nail scissors where you want the cut to be made. Slowly squeeze the trimmers to trim the nail and when the rabbit flinches, move a little toward the tip of the nail (you may be too close to the nail). Make the cut with a firm, quick motion to avoid crushing the nail. If a nail is accidentally cut too short, don’t panic. Quickly put some styptic powder on the end of the nail to stop the bleeding. While it hurts to cut quickly, the styptic powder contains an anesthetic to give your rabbit relief and the nail will grow out fairly quickly. Unless the nail has been trimmed drastically short, there’s no need to worry if you accidentally make a quick cut. Anyone who trims their pet’s nails regularly has at some point trimmed one too short, so don’t feel like you can’t trim nails if you get one too short. Repeat these steps for all of your rabbit’s claws. Rest between your feet if your rabbit is struggling or the procedure is taking a while. This is especially important if you are using a restraining towel to prevent your rabbit from overheating. When you’ve finished trimming as many toes as your rabbit will allow, quickly check all of the nails to make sure they aren’t bleeding before releasing your rabbit. Finally give your rabbit a treat! Even if you only finish one foot, be sure to reward your rabbit with some positive reinforcement and conditioning.

Edited by Adrienne Kruzer, RVT

The best rabbit brushes for grooming.

Grooming is an important part of keeping a rabbit. Regular grooming will help keep your rabbit happy and prevent health problems. So how do you groom a rabbit and what are the best rabbit brushes? Let’s find out!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I get a commission on sales at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my disclaimer for more info!

Basics of rabbit care

Rabbits are primarily self-cleaners. They groom themselves in a similar way to cats, but there are still some grooming tasks we need to help them with.

First off, rabbits need their nails clipped about once a month. A bunny’s nails are constantly growing, just like a human’s, so clipping them ensures they don’t snag on anything or make the rabbit uncomfortable.

Rabbits also need regular brushing, especially if they are long-haired. Because rabbits are self groomers, they keep themselves clean by licking themselves. However, rabbits cannot throw up (like cats with hairballs). Brushing your rabbit regularly will help reduce the amount of hair that ends up in their system. Too much hair can lead to GI stasis and health problems.

rabbit hutch!

What many people don’t know about rabbits is that they actually have a hair similar to that of dogs. They shed 3-4 times a year so brushing is especially important during this time. These scales can be heavy or barely noticeable, but they still mean your rabbit is doing extra grooming.

As rabbits shed, there is more hair that can end up in their system. For some rabbits, you may need to brush them several times a day to really reduce the amount of hair during shedding. You can usually pull out clumps of hair with your hands during a shed, so this really shows why it’s so important to keep your rabbit from licking off all that hair.

How to brush a rabbit

Brushing a rabbit can be a little tricky as most rabbits don’t like being picked up or handled. You may have to work fairly quickly if you have a rabbit that doesn’t want to sit still.

It might help if someone else holds and distracts the rabbit while you brush it. I like to sit my rabbit on a firm surface like a table while someone else puts a hand on the rabbit’s shoulders. My rabbit can’t hop away unexpectedly and my helper can distract him with vegetables and pets while I brush.

To brush a rabbit, simply work from their back just behind their ears and work your work around their entire body. During a hair loss period, you may also be able to pull out a lot of hair using just your hands. You can pull out the big chunks first and then go through again with a good brush to remove the rest of the loose hair.

The right tools can support the process. Because you may need to walk a bit quickly if your rabbit doesn’t want to sit still, you want your brushing to be as effective as possible.

Best brushes for rabbits

You want the brushes you use on your rabbit to be comfortable for your rabbit, but also effective! Here are my 5 favorite brushes for rabbits:

The Hairbuster

This is undoubtedly the best brush for a shed rabbit. It’s designed to remove as much loose hair from the rabbit as possible and it works really well. This is my favorite brush for my rabbits. It removes so much hair and helps make hair fall a little faster if you use it regularly!

Rabbit Slicker Brush

A smooth brush is a good general coat brush for a rabbit. It easily brushes through a rabbit’s fur and grabs any loose hair. You want to make sure you choose one with metal bristles, but one that isn’t sharp at all. These brushes do a good job of getting through thick coats or brushing out a long haired bunny’s hair.

Rubber Grooming Glove

A grooming mitt works especially well if you have rabbits that don’t like being brushed but do enjoy being petted. You can put this on and pet your rabbit and it will grab quite a bit of hair. It doesn’t penetrate deep into the hair, but it will help your rabbit quite a bit during the shedding process.

ejection brush

These work well if you have a shedding or long haired rabbit. They grab the hair that is loose but not yet ready to be hand pulled. I like to use this brush when my short haired bunny sheds to get rid of any hairless hair. Then I go back with the Hair Buster (mentioned above) to brush off any loose hair.

Comb

I use a comb with my long haired bunny to prevent tangles from forming. It works slightly better than a slicker brush to get through longer and thicker hair. If you have a long haired rabbit, matting their fur can be a tricky project. Regular brushing and combing can go a long way in keeping their coat looking beautiful.

Final thoughts on rabbit brushes

Regular brushing of your rabbit is an important part of their regular grooming routine. These brushes will help you get the job done quickly and easily!

What brushes do you use on your rabbits?

Read more about rabbit care:

The 5 best brushes for rabbits

Although rabbits should generally not be bathed as it can be traumatic for them, there are times when an opportunity arises when you need to clean your furry friend. When that happens, you want the best rabbit shampoo available, one that’s gentle yet leaves it sparkling clean and smelling great. There aren’t many shampoos made specifically for rabbits, but there are some (and some for other pets that work well on your rabbit, too).

It can be difficult to decide which shampoo is best for you and your pet, but looking at quick reviews like ours below can help you narrow down your choice. We’ve reviewed the 10 best rabbit shampoos below so you can spend less time browsing through shampoos and more time cuddling your favorite rabbit.

A quick comparison of our 2022 favorites A quick comparison of our 2022 favorites

Product Image Details Best Overall Kaytee Squeaky Clean Critter Shampoo for Small Pets pH balanced Easy to rinse out Tearless Compare Prices Best Value Kaytee Quick & Clean Instant Small Pet Shampoo Waterless Non-irritating Deodorant View Price Premium Choice Marshall Foaming Waterless Shampoo for Small Pets Waterless Leaves no residue on coat Grooming and detangling Check price Espree Hypoallergenic Tear-Free Aloe Vera Shampoo Hypoallergenic Natural ingredients Aloe Vera soothes skin Check price Bodhi Dog Dry Shampoo without water Lavender for dogs, cats and small animals Hypoallergenic Vegetable Does not dry skin and coat Check price

The 10 best rabbit shampoos

1. Kaytee Squeaky Clean Critter Small Animal Shampoo – Best Overall Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon Size: 8 oz Care Feature: Tearless

As the best rabbit shampoo, Kaytee Squeaky Clean offers a cleansing that’s gentle enough not to irritate your bunny’s skin, yet powerful enough to leave them sparkling clean, just like the name suggests. This shampoo removes dirt and cares for your pet, leaving their coat smooth and soft. It also deodorizes, leaving your rabbit smelling nice and fresh after bathing. Most pet parents loved how great their pets smelled afterwards! Also, this formula is pH balanced so it is not harsh on the skin.

advantages

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2. Kaytee Quick & Clean Small Pet Instant Shampoo – Best Value Check Price at Chewy Check Price at Amazon Size: 8 oz Care Feature: Waterless

If you want the best rabbit shampoo on the budget, be sure to check out this Kaytee product. In addition to affordability, this shampoo offers a waterless way to keep your rabbit clean. This deodorizing shampoo is sprayed on your pet, then massaged in and finally brushed out after drying. Some rabbit owners found spraying directly onto a brush instead of their rabbit also worked well. It removes dirt and leaves your rabbit smelling fresh like powder without going through the time-consuming and potentially traumatic process of an actual bath. Plus, this shampoo is gentle enough not to irritate your pet’s eyes or other sensitive areas.

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3. Marshall Foaming Waterless Shampoo for Small Pets – Premium Choice Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon Size: 5 oz Grooming Feature: Waterless

If you’re looking for a premium rabbit shampoo, we recommend this waterless shampoo from Marshall. With this shampoo you can keep your rabbit out of the water they fear while still leaving them incredibly clean and smelling great. Also, unlike excessive bathing, this shampoo will not dry out your rabbit’s skin and coat. This shampoo not only removes dirt and grime, but also conditions your pet’s coat, removing tangles and leaving your rabbit soft and smooth without leaving a nasty residue.

Marshall Foaming Shampoo is easy to use too – just apply to a dry or damp rabbit, towel dry and then brush out!

advantages

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4. Espree Hypoallergenic Tear-Free Aloe Vera Shampoo Check price at Chewy Check price at Amazon Size: 20 oz Care function: Tear-free, hypoallergenic

Made from organically grown aloe vera, this hypoallergenic shampoo promises to be gentle on even the most sensitive and allergy-prone pets. It’s gentle enough not to irritate your rabbit’s sensitive areas, yet tough enough to clean and groom. Although the shampoo only says “For Dogs and Cats,” several rabbit owners have successfully used this on their pets.

Espree also contains natural ingredients from around the world like coconut-based detergents and jojoba, and is made in the USA. If your rabbit is being treated with a topical anti-flea medication, follow the directions for bathing with that shampoo.

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See also: How to get rid of fleas on rabbits

5. Bodhi Dog Waterless Lavender Dog, Cat & Small Animal Dry Shampoo

Check Latest Price Size: 8 oz Care Function: Dry

Avoid getting your rabbit wet while still getting them clean with this dry shampoo! Bodhi has a pleasant lavender scent to ease the stress of removing dirt and grime and is made with all-natural, botanical ingredients. This non-toxic formula is non-irritating and alcohol-free to prevent your fur baby’s coat and skin from drying out. It’s also specially formulated for pets with super sensitive skin and allergies.

To use, simply spray onto your rabbit’s dirty areas, leave for a minute, then towel dry.

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6. Mad About Organics Oatmeal Shampoo

Check Latest Price Size: 4 oz Care Feature: Oatmeal

Mad About Organics Oatmeal Shampoo is designed for small pets from 4 weeks of age and is perfect for sensitive skin that is itchy and flaky. This shampoo contains oatmeal and a blend of organic, all-natural ingredients that have been pH balanced for your pet’s skin. Not only does this shampoo leave your rabbit clean with a soft, smooth coat, but it also smells nice. Several pet owners commented on the pleasant smell, saying it wasn’t overpowering.

This shampoo is free from chemicals, plastics, added colors, animal by-products and petroleum. Mad About Organics is also hypoallergenic and safe for pregnant pets.

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7. Citrus Magic Pet Foaming Pet Cleanser

Check the latest price Size: 8 oz Care function: Fragrance-free, water-free

Don’t be fooled by the “citrus” in the name; This shampoo is fragrance-free, so you don’t have to worry about any overpowering odors. This product is made with plant-based enzymes and plant-based surfactants that deodorize and clean in seconds and contain no harsh chemicals. The foaming action of the shampoo also helps clean and deodorize your rabbit’s coat. Because Citrus Magic doesn’t require water or rinsing, it’s easy to use – just spread some suds over where your rabbit is dirtiest, leave for a minute or two, then wipe dry!

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8. J R LIGGETT’S Small Animal Liquid Shampoo

Check Latest Price Size: 45 oz Care Function: Sensitive Skin, Hypoallergenic

This gentle cleanser is all natural and is made with native almond and coconut oils that soothe itchy skin, moisturize and leave your rabbit’s coat silky and smooth. It also contains lavender, cedarwood, lemongrass and rosemary oils to further moisturize and add an extremely pleasant scent. This detergent-free shampoo is specially formulated for small animals, making it safe for your rabbit.

J R LIGGETT’S is made in the United States and contains no tea tree oil, sulfates or GMOs. Also available in bar form. As with all pet products that contain essential oils, caution should be exercised when using them.

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9. Arm & Hammer Tearless Small Animal Shampoo

Check Latest Price Size: 8 oz Care Feature: Tearless

From the trusted Arm & Hammer name, this tear-free shampoo is specially formulated for small pets. pH balanced for rabbits and other small pets, this shampoo contains Arm & Hammer’s renowned odor neutralization to eliminate any bad odors left on your pet, leaving them smelling incredibly clean and fresh after their bath. Meanwhile, the gentle formula not only removes dirt and stains, but also conditions and moisturizes your rabbit’s fur and skin.

Easy to use, Arm & Hammer Shampoo will not irritate your rabbit’s sensitive areas and is safe to use every few weeks.

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10. Johnsons Veterinary Products Small Animal Cleansing Shampoo

Check Latest Price Size: 23 oz Care Feature: Tearless

Johnson’s Small Animal Shampoo is designed for small pets from 12 weeks of age. This gentle pH balanced shampoo for the smaller pets will clean and deodorize your rabbit without irritating their sensitive areas. Pet parents have been screaming about how good their pets smelled after using this shampoo, so don’t worry about overpowering chemical smells used to mask lingering odors on your pet. All you will smell is freshness and cleanliness. Bath time should be a breeze with Johnson’s Small Animal Shampoo!

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Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Rabbit Shampoo

If you’re looking to find the best shampoo for your rabbit, there are a few specific things you need to look at to ensure you’re getting a product that’s safe for your furry friend.

ingredients

The ingredients used in a rabbit shampoo is by far the most important thing to look at. Because rabbits shouldn’t be bathed regularly due to their sensitive skin and fear of water, you need a shampoo made with extra-gentle ingredients. Look for shampoos that are free of harsh chemicals and alcohols that dry out skin, as well as additives. All-natural shampoos are usually the best choice. Also, check if the shampoo contains moisturizing or skin conditioning ingredients to avoid further irritation to your rabbit.

Normal or dry

While full baths can be harmful or traumatic to your rabbit, there are instances when they need cleaning. Typically this will be on their lower halves, e.g. B. if they get dirty feet or a shitty butt. If you need to bathe parts of your rabbit, you will need to decide whether to use a regular shampoo that involves the use of water or a dry shampoo that does not use water at all. Because rabbits don’t like water, many rabbit owners use dry shampoos, but these won’t necessarily always get the job done (although many do!). Consider whether using a regular shampoo that needs to be rinsed out is better than a dry shampoo, which may not get your rabbit quite as clean.

Specially formulated

Shampoos specifically formulated for rabbits or small animals in general, or animals with sensitive skin are better for your pet. Shampoos that are tailored to your rabbit’s needs will ensure that the skin does not become irritated and the coat stays moisturized and healthy. For the most part, avoid dog, cat, and human shampoos, as they contain chemicals that are overly harsh on your pet (though all-natural, organic, hypoallergenic, or those made for sensitive skin should be fine).

Price

As with all products, rabbit shampoos come in different price ranges. Luckily, they’re mostly on the cheaper side, but you’ll find a few more expensive ones. Be sure to check prices on different websites to find a shampoo that suits not only your needs but also your budget.

reviews

It’s always important to read reviews from other pet owners to get a full picture of how a product works, but this is even more true when it comes to rabbit shampoos. Just because a product claims it’s safe for use on small animals doesn’t necessarily mean it will be. Reading reviews from other rabbit owners will help you decide if a product is right for your pet.

Tips for bathing your rabbit

If you’re new to being a rabbit owner, you might want a few tips on how to bathe your rabbit safely.

Conclusion Conclusion

If you are looking for the best general shampoo for your pet rabbit, Kaytee Squeaky Clean Critter Small Animal Shampoo is what you need as it is pH balanced and cleansing for small pets and conditions. For the best rabbit shampoo at a great price, consider Kaytee Quick & Clean Small Animal Instant Shampoo for its fabulous price and lack of water requirements. Finally, if you are looking for a premium shampoo for your bunny, take a look at Marshalls Foam Waterless Shampoo For Small Pets as it cleans, conditions and detangles without the need for a rinse.

Selected image source: Ligfo, Shutterstock

How much does a rabbit eat?

The majority of a rabbit’s natural diet should consist of good quality hay or grass (but not fresh lawn clippings as these can ferment quickly) relative to their body size. Fresh hay is an essential part of a rabbit’s diet and you need to provide your rabbit with enough hay to eat at all times. Chewing hay is good for a rabbit’s teeth, which grow throughout life and need to be worn down naturally.

We usually recommend a bundle of fresh hay at least the size of the rabbit. This type of food helps maintain your rabbit’s overall health, with hay helping to wear down your pet’s teeth as they continue to grow and giving them the right amount of fiber needed for their digestive health.

There are a number of different types of hay and the right choice depends on the age, health and size of your rabbit. For example, alfalfa hay can be a good choice for younger rabbits, but should not be fed to adult rabbits due to its high calcium and carbohydrate content.